Travertine Beetles

Lutrochidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Byrrhoidea
Family: Lutrochidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lutrochidae: //luːˈtrɒkɪdiː//

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Summary

Lutrochidae, commonly known as Travertine beetles, is a family of water beetles comprising a single genus, Lutrochus, with around 21 species found in the Americas. Adults and larvae are primarily associated with submerged old and rotting wood in shallow, fast-flowing streams.

Physical Characteristics

Ovate bodies, 2–6 mm long, yellowish in color; adults have a bubble of air held in place by hairs. Larvae are elongate, 4–10 mm in length, with short but well-developed legs.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by their yellowish color and the first two antennomeres being longer than the others.

Habitat

Aquatic; found on emerged/submerged substrates in rapids, especially where travertine is being deposited.

Distribution

New World from the northeastern United States (PA-MI) to South America (Brazil).

Diet

Algae, waterlogged wood.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role in aquatic ecosystems by interacting with substrates and possibly influencing the breakdown of organic material.